change
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
How often you will meet it
Rank 538 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 36,195 times across 173,849 chapters — 0.017% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 1,000 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
verb
- cause to change; make different; cause a transformation also: alter, modify The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the cityThe discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
- undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature She changed completely as she grew olderThe weather changed last night
- become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence also: alter, vary her mood changes in accordance with the weatherThe supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
- lay aside, abandon, or leave for another also: switch, shift switch to a different brand of beerShe switched psychiatrists
- change clothes; put on different clothes Change before you go to the opera
- exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category also: exchange, commute, convert Could you convert my dollars into pounds?He changed his name
change in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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For on the bed had occurred an abominable change.
The Abandoned Room · Wadsworth Camp · Chapter 1
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For years that quiet company had mocked his restlessness, his desire for change and freedom.
Ethan Frome · Edith Wharton · Chapter 1
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In sooth, I 'll have it; nay, I will but change My jewel for your jewel.
The White Devil · John Webster · Chapter 1
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The curiously gentle smile had never left the bearded lips, but in his voice a slight proud change was perceptible.
The Heart of the Hills · John, Jr. Fox · Chapter 1
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However, to the young lady herself she said nothing, except suggesting, rather meekly, that it was time to change her dress.
Christian's Mistake · Dinah Maria Mulock Craik · Chapter 1